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Blood
#8
الدّم (ad-dam) is the Arabic word for 'blood,' referring to the vital red fluid that circulates through the body. It is commonly used in both literal medical contexts and figurative expressions in Arabic literature and daily speech. The word carries cultural and religious significance in Arabic-speaking societies.
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فقد الجندي الكثير من الدّم في المعركة.
Faqada al-jundiyy al-kathīr min ad-dam fī al-ma'rakah.
The soldier lost a lot of blood in the battle.
فحص الطبيب عينة من الدّم للمريض.
Fahasa at-tabīb 'ayyinah min ad-dam li-al-marīd.
The doctor examined a blood sample from the patient.
يجري الدّم في عروقنا طوال الحياة.
Yajrī ad-dam fī 'urūqinā tawāl al-hayāh.
Blood flows through our veins throughout our lives.
هؤلاء الناس من نفس الدّم.
Hā'ulā' an-nās min nafs ad-dam.
These people are of the same blood (figurative: they are related).
لا يمكن إيقاف نزيف الدّم إلا بالضغط على الجرح.
Lā yumkin īqāf nazīf ad-dam illā bi-ad-daght 'alā al-jarh.
Blood flow cannot be stopped except by applying pressure to the wound.
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Blood holds deep cultural and religious significance in Arab societies, often appearing in idioms and proverbs relating to kinship, honor, and sacrifice. In Islamic tradition, blood is mentioned in the Quran and hadith, carrying important religious and ethical implications. The phrase 'من نفس الدم' (of the same blood) signifies family bonds and loyalty, reflecting how this word extends beyond its literal medical meaning to represent familial and cultural identity.
When learning this word, note that الدّم is singular and uncountable in most contexts, though الدماء (ad-dimā') serves as the plural form. It is commonly used in compound medical terms like 'ضغط الدّم' (blood pressure) and 'فصيلة الدّم' (blood type). Pay attention to context, as it is used both literally (medical/anatomical) and figuratively (family relationships, sacrifice, or honor).
The Arabic word الدّم (pronounced ad-dam) translates directly to 'blood' in English. This fundamental word is essential for anyone learning Arabic, as it appears frequently in medical, literary, and everyday contexts throughout the Arabic-speaking world.
In medical and anatomical contexts, الدّم refers specifically to the vital red fluid that circulates through the veins and arteries of the body. Medical professionals and healthcare workers use this term constantly in clinical settings. Common medical phrases include:
These compound terms are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and medical literature throughout the Arab world.
Beyond its literal meaning, الدّم carries profound cultural and figurative significance in Arabic language and society. The phrase من نفس الدم (min nafs ad-dam), meaning 'of the same blood,' is used to describe family relationships and blood relatives. This expression reflects the deep importance of family ties in Arab culture and represents shared identity and kinship.
In Arabic literature, poetry, and historical texts, blood is often used symbolically to represent sacrifice, honor, and commitment. The concept of 'spilling blood' or 'shedding blood' appears frequently in discussions of martyrdom, courage, and honor within Arabic cultural contexts.
Blood holds special significance in Islamic tradition and Arab Islamic heritage. References to blood appear throughout the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence, dealing with matters of purity, sacrifice, and legal responsibilities. Historical narratives and epic tales in Arabic literature frequently invoke imagery related to blood in the context of battles, heroic deeds, and family honor.
The word الدّم is a masculine noun in Arabic. When used as a countable concept, it takes the plural form الدماء (ad-dimā'), though in most medical and everyday contexts, it functions as an uncountable noun similar to 'blood' in English. The definite article 'ال' (al-) is often attached, making 'الدّم' (the blood) the most common form in actual usage.
In contemporary Arabic, الدّم remains central to medical discussions, healthcare communications, and emergency situations. Whether discussing health conditions, donating blood, or describing injuries, this word is indispensable. It also appears in modern media, literature, and everyday conversations about family relationships and social bonds.
For English speakers learning Arabic, mastering الدّم and its associated vocabulary is crucial for basic health literacy and cultural understanding. Practice using it in context with related medical terms to build a comprehensive vocabulary. Pay special attention to the figurative uses, as they reveal important aspects of Arab cultural values and social organization.
Understanding this word provides insight into both the practical language needs of Arabic learners and the deeper cultural dimensions of Arab society.